Posted on 05/18/2005 7:17:20 PM PDT by KidGlock
Father Charged After Beating Daughter's Softball Coach With Bat
POSTED: 4:56 pm EDT May 18, 2005
HAMDEN, Conn. -- A father apparently distraught over his daughter's suspension from a softball team was arrested on a charge of beating her coach with an aluminum bat.
Mark Picard, who teaches art at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, was freed on bond and a court appearance was scheduled for May 31. He was placed on administrative leave from his job after his arrest.
John Crovo, the girl's softball coach at Sacred Heart Academy, where she is a senior, told the New Haven Register that Picard first hit him in the head, then struck him several times when he was on the ground in a fetal position.
"I took a big-time beating," Crovo told the newspaper.
Crovo said he was treated at a hospital, must wear neck brace and will be out of work for at least 10 days.
School officials wouldn't say what led to the girl's suspension.
Crovo and Picard did not immediately return calls Wednesday from The Associated Press.
Picard was charged with assault, reckless endangerment and risk of injury to a minor.
Blair Destito, a junior co-captain of the team, said she saw the beating.
"I looked over and our coach is on the ground and the girl's father is beating him with a bat. He was continually hitting him," she said. "The girl ran over and was screaming at her father to stop. Eventually he just stopped."
WOW! I agree with you.
Assault? How about felony assualt with a deadly weapon, 1st degree battery, and attempted murder. And then comes civil court where bat-dad gets taken to the cleaners.
He teaches art at a High School, but sends his daughter to a private school. What does that say?
I hope the girl wasnt using steroids so she could hit the long ones.
Looks like another Tolerant Liberal.
The guy teaches art? These are the people that are teaching your children.
With a name like Notre Dame High School I'm not so sure it's a public school. Sounds like a private Catholic school.
When my oldest son started soccer, there I was. Psycho dad, urging my son onward, forward, score, fight, win. But he didn't have the "spirit". Oh, he played football and baseball, but the "fight" wasn't there. He's grown now, pretty easy going, mellow, and substitute teaching on his way to perhaps getting a teaching credential and a Masters. Nothing I did or said ever made him a "warrior."
Another son was a natural at soccer and scored at will sometimes. He was a good baseball player, and a good football player. He will compete at the red belt level at martial arts soon. And nothing I said or did ever made a difference with him either regarding sports. It's in the kid, not the father.
So dad, chill out.
Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping! Ping!
LOL!
So it was an aluminum bat?
Have you seen Kicking and Screaming? I recommend it - sounds like you could have written the screenplay. :o)
Aluminum is all they use in softball isn't it? We can use wood in little league, but nobody ever does. They tend to splinter when you wail on coaches.
Duh!
Thanks. (Poor speed reader)
You're right on the money.
"Notre Dame High School is an independent Catholic private college preparatory school for young men. Notre Dame is sponsored by the Brothers of the Holy Cross."
http://www.notredamehs.com/
No, I haven't. But if there is a psycho dad on the sidelines, they probably scripted it after me!
Sounds like you might be right, with the names of the two different schools I wondered why he didnt send his kid to the school he taught in.
Is it illegal to hit a coach with a corked bat?
And double punishment if you are on steroids while attacking him?
http://www.notredamehs.com/News/ND%20Press%20Statement%20About%20Faculty%20Member.htm
ND Press Statement About Faculty Member
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2005
Notre Dame of West Haven Statement Involving Faculty Member Mark Picard
West Haven - Notre Dame High School extends its deep regret to all parties involved with the incident involving Mark Picard yesterday at Sacred Heart Academy .
Mark Picard has been a faculty member at Notre Dame since 1980. He teaches several Art and Photography courses. As a result of the incident, Notre Dame has placed Mark on an indefinite administrative leave of absence.
Out of consideration for those involved, we ask you to respect everyone's privacy during this difficult time.
Please attribute statement from Brother James Branigan , C.S.C., Headmaster, Notre Dame High School (West Haven ).
Not attempted murder???
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